Topical Bible: Malice: Haman Toward Mordecai

◄ Malice: Haman Toward Mordecai ►

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Introduction

The account of Haman's malice toward Mordecai is a vivid illustration of personal vendetta and the destructive power of hatred. This narrative is found in the Book of Esther, a historical account set during the reign of King Xerxes (Ahasuerus) of Persia. Haman, an Agagite and a high-ranking official in the Persian court, harbors intense animosity toward Mordecai, a Jew, which ultimately leads to a plot that threatens the entire Jewish population in the empire.

Background

Haman, identified as the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, is elevated by King Xerxes to a position of great authority, second only to the king himself (Esther 3:1). The king commands that all royal officials at the king's gate bow down and pay homage to Haman. Mordecai, however, refuses to bow or pay him homage, citing his Jewish identity as the reason for his noncompliance (Esther 3:2-4).

Haman's Malice

Haman's reaction to Mordecai's defiance is one of intense rage. The Berean Standard Bible records, "When Haman saw that Mordecai would not bow down or pay him homage, he was filled with rage" (Esther 3:5). Haman's malice is not limited to Mordecai alone; instead, he seeks to destroy all Jews throughout the kingdom of Xerxes. This decision is rooted in his knowledge of Mordecai's Jewish identity, and it reflects a deep-seated animosity that transcends personal grievance.

The Plot Against the Jews

Haman's malice manifests in a calculated plan to annihilate the Jewish people. He approaches King Xerxes with a proposal, presenting the Jews as a people whose customs are different and who do not obey the king's laws. Haman suggests that it is not in the king's best interest to tolerate them (Esther 3:8). He offers a substantial bribe to the royal treasury to fund the extermination of the Jews (Esther 3:9).

King Xerxes, persuaded by Haman's words, gives him his signet ring, authorizing the decree to destroy, kill, and annihilate all Jews, young and old, women and children, on a single day (Esther 3:10-13). This edict is sent out to all provinces of the empire, causing great mourning among the Jewish people.

Mordecai's Response

Upon learning of the decree, Mordecai responds with mourning, fasting, and wearing sackcloth and ashes (Esther 4:1). He communicates with Queen Esther, urging her to intercede with the king on behalf of her people. Mordecai's faith and courage are evident as he challenges Esther to recognize her providential position, saying, "And who knows if perhaps you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" (Esther 4:14).

Divine Reversal

The narrative of Haman's malice reaches its climax when Esther courageously approaches the king and reveals her Jewish identity, pleading for her people. In a dramatic turn of events, Haman's plot is exposed, and he is hanged on the very gallows he had prepared for Mordecai (Esther 7:9-10). The king issues a new decree, allowing the Jews to defend themselves, leading to their deliverance and the celebration of the Feast of Purim (Esther 8:11-17).

Conclusion

The account of Haman's malice toward Mordecai serves as a powerful reminder of the destructive nature of hatred and the providential care of God for His people. Through the courage of Mordecai and Esther, the Jewish people are saved, and Haman's evil intentions are thwarted. This account underscores the biblical principle that pride and malice ultimately lead to downfall, while faith and righteousness are rewarded.

Nave's Topical Index

Esther 3:5-15
And when Haman saw that Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence, then was Haman full of wrath.
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Esther 5:9-14
Then went Haman forth that day joyful and with a glad heart: but when Haman saw Mordecai in the king's gate, that he stood not up, nor moved for him, he was full of indignation against Mordecai.
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Library

In the Days of Queen Esther
... Haman cherished bitter malice against Mordecai, a Jew ... given the position of honor
formerly occupied by Haman. ... the pursuance of a similar course toward those who ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 49 in the days.htm

Of Querulousness.
... as Ahab's for his neighbor's vineyard, Haman's for Mordecai's ... of all is in our behavior
toward God, whose ... we angrily charge our defamation on the malice of our ...
/.../allestree/the government of the tongue/section x of querulousness.htm

The Important Question
... of a good conscience toward God; it is ... Then said Haman, Yet "all this profiteth me ...
covetousness, vanity, inordinate affection, malice, revengefulness, carry ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 84 the important question.htm

The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate,
... finding fault therewith.-2. He pleads God's interest in his people.-Haman's mishap
in ... may be accused by him (Job 2:9). Great is his malice toward them, great ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the work of jesus christ.htm

Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses.
... Only I cannot but observe how prettily it is done of some, who urge this text to
colour their malice, ignorance and revenge withal, while they cry, The law of ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/of antichrist and his ruin .htm

A Discourse
... must be intended as a type of the church, when under the malice of her ... of Bath-rabbim;
thy nose is as the tower of Lebanon which looketh toward Damascus' (Cant ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse.htm